RAMALLAH, March 30, 2026 (WAFA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, independence, and the return of Palestinian refugees, marking the anniversary of Land Day.

In a statement, the Ministry said that the occasion comes amidst an unprecedented escalation in the crimes of the Israel and its violations of all the rights of the Palestinian people, as well as the occupation's intentions to consolidate its control over Palestinian land and impose facts on the ground.

It pointed out that Israel, the illegal occupying power, continues to enforce an apartheid regime and implementing its colonial plans at an accelerated pace through the expansion of colonial settlements, land confiscation, and the prevention of construction and planning.

It highlighted that these measures deepen control over Palestinian land and entrench a racist colonial reality, in flagrant violation of international law, the advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice, resolutions of international legitimacy, and the Geneva Conventions, foremost among which is that Israel has no sovereignty over any part of the territory of the State of Palestine, especially in Jerusalem.

The Ministry said that the 50th anniversary of Land Day comes amidst a dangerous escalation of occupation crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

This escalation, the Ministry added, is accompanied by the continuation of policies of gradual annexation, Judaization, ethnic cleansing, and forced displacement, all of which undermine the prospects for peace, threaten security and stability in the region, and confirm the occupation government's determination to impose new realities on the ground aimed at thwarting the possibility of establishing an independent Palestinian state.

It also affirmed that Land Day remains a symbol of the justice of the Palestinian cause and the deep historical and legal connection of Palestinians to their land.

The Ministry called on the international community, the Security Council and all international parties assume their legal and moral responsibilities,  stop Israeli violations, provide international protection for the Palestinian people, and hold Israel accountable under international law.

Y.S